The Internal Revenue Service has issued release 2011-1 and announced that taxpayers have until April 18, 2011 to file their 2010 income tax returns because Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in the District of Columbia, falls on Friday, April 15, 2011. By law, District of Columbia holidays impact tax deadlines in the same way that federal holidays do; therefore, all taxpayers will have three extra days to file this year. Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until October 17, 2011 to file their returns.

The IRS also reminded tax professionals preparing returns for a fee that they must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Tax return preparers should register immediately using the new PTIN signup system available through www.IRS.gov/taxpros.